News about drug and alcohol abuse is often in the headlines nowadays. More often than not it is linked to a story about crime or social decline saying that drug use within the teenage and adult community in the UK is increasing, but it is rarely linked to every day working situations. However, all companies should have a robust policy on drug and alcohol use. It is an essential health and safety tool.

The title of the Act controlling drugs – The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 holds the key to drug and alcohol policies. Drugs and alcohol can and often do have a serious and sometimes very negative impact on the lives of the individuals concerned and the people around them. It is the misuse or inappropriate use of drugs and alcohol than can have serious safety consequences in a workplace environment. In a working environment, particularly in the rail sector, the use of drugs and alcohol can affect colleagues, the public and passengers.
Whilst an employee’s right to a private life is enshrined in law there is a caveat to that. Where their actions outside the workplace could go on to affect their own safety, that of their colleagues and the general public in the workplace, the employer has a duty of care to protect all those concerned. Fixed rail employers must also take account of the Transport and Works Act, which mandates them to take what reasonable steps they can to ensure their employees are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol when carry out their duties.
Scientifics is one of the accredited companies that work alongside businesses in the rails sector and other industries to ensure they have effective drug and alcohol policies. We carry out testing, monitoring and analysis of employee’s blood and urine to make certain that they are compliant with the law. Some of this work is all about educating the individuals about the effects of drugs and alcohol.
So, what are the effects?
Let’s start with alcohol, one of the most widely used and abused substances in the western world. Many people have a poor understanding of the longevity of the effect of alcohol. Its detrimental effects on long term health and addictive properties are well documented. The short term effects are wide ranging. As well as affecting reaction times, it reduces the capacity to carry out multitask activities, decreases inhibitions and increases risk taking. This last effect leads people to believe they are not affected by alcohol when they still are. Many feel that it is easy to calculate how much alcohol they have on board and the effects it will have. They are wrong. Different strengths, glass sizes and your general state of health, your sex, your genetic type and the balance between fat and muscle in your body all have an impact on how we process alcohol. There is a lot of guidance on alcohol intake especially with respect to driving. The advice is basically this: do not drink and drive, AT ALL, is the best practice and it is this best that should be applied in safety critical environments.
Some drugs are more commonly used than others, so let’s look at a selection (you can find out more on www.scientifics.com or via www.healthline.com) of the more common drugs and their effects.
Speed or whiz is actually amphetamine and methamphetamine – usually taken in tablet or powder form when it is a Class B, Schedule 2 controlled drug under the Misuse of Act 1971. When it is prepared for injection it becomes a Class A drug. It will give the user a buzz and increased energy levels. Takers will feel good and full of energy. Whilst under the influence users are likely to be full of energy but more inclined to risk taking (over estimating their abilities). Sometimes this energy buzz will be uncomfortable. Is it likely to be used in the work place? Yes it is. People within work, to keep going when energy levels are low, may use amphetamine and methamphetamine in much the same way others use caffeine.
Benzodiazepines – very useful drugs with a wide range of uses and effects. They are prescription only drugs and can be prescribed for conditions such as muscle spasm, used in operations carried out under local anaesthetic, to aid sleep and to treat stress and anxiety. They can be short acting and/or low dose which may have no safety implication or they can be stronger and/or longer acting which may. Employees should inform their doctors of the type of work they undertake so they can be made aware of likely effects on their performance. If there are such effects they should notify their employer so that the safety implications can be assessed.
Cannabis – a popular drug viewed by many as legal and less harmful than alcohol. It is not legal. It is a Class C, Schedule 1 controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act. The initial effects of cannabis use include a feeling of euphoria and relaxation. It makes people feel good. It also distorts your sense of space and time (very star trek), which could mean that when going towards a wall in a fork lift truck, the wall may seem a long way, away and it will take ages to get there. High levels can induce anxiety and paranoia. Although cannabis use is not addictive there are increasing worries that it can trigger mental health problems in the young.
The drugs listed above are the ones generally tested for in work place testing but cannot be considered complete. Many other prescription medications, over the counter medications and naturally occurring plants and herbs can have an effect on a person’s ability to carry out safety critical activities. Staff should be made aware of this and their responsibility to alert their employers of any possible safety implications.
Employers need to educate staff on the issues associated with alcohol and drug use and have procedures in place to care for staff that may have problems.